Applications and Personal Statements

Your Application
We, as teachers, are always here to help students write and develop applications for post-16 further education. Below are some tips and bits of advice to help students when it comes to writing an application or personal statement.


Be Ready
Make sure that you are prepared for all of the standard pieces of information that you will need to complete an application:


Personal Details:
Date of Birth
Contact number
Contact email (create a professional email using Gmail or equivalent if you don’t already have one)
Address
Parent / Carer contact details


Your predicted grades:
Currently working at, use your most recent grade collection
GCSE predicted grade, use your most recent grade collection

Everything else:
Have a standard personal statement ready
Specific needs that should be included in your application
Supporting information


Personal StatementThe personal statement is your chance to show off you, it is an opportunity to make yourself standout from the crowd before you meet someone in person. Use your wordcount wisely and make sure you sell yourself as this will often be your first chance to sell yourself. Below are some pointers and tips to help you get the most out of your word count.


Sell yourself, what makes you better than the next candidate? Be generous but not arrogant.
“I have repeatedly demonstrated through my time at CHS that I am a hardworking and diligent student, my and feedback from teachers CHS demonstrate this, I have a close group of friends and thrive in new and  environments”. 


Make your strengths your strengths and your weaknesses your strengths.
Slow on making notes or coming to decisions? No, you are meticulous and detail orientated.
Sometimes distracted or lack concentration? No, you are an active learner.


Be specific, there are clichés that colleges and sixth forms see year in year out, avoid them.
Instead of “I am interested in studying English Literature” try “I am passionate about reading and have a wide range interests ranging from the classics such as Dickens through to Atwoods’, Handmaids tale.”
Instead of “I have always liked Science” try “The principle of the scientific method is something that I strive to keep the forefront of my mind whenever I face a new or uncertain situation,”


Ensure that you mention that you enjoy the core subjects (English and Maths), even if this is not the subject you applying for as grade 4’s in these subjects are often course requirements.
"I understand that having basic skills in English and Maths are required for the course, however I believe that they also applicable to more than just my next level of education…”


Reference areas of the course that you have previous experience with and why it is that you enjoyed or excelled these areas.
“I have been regularly playing for my local football team for the past 7 years and have found that the balance leadership and teamwork that this requires is something that I am looking forward to develop in Btec Physical Education Level 2.”


Speak about yourself outside of school, sell yourself as someone who has more to offer than just getting grades.
"I have been practicing Karate for the last 10 years and have demonstrated my dedication and skill by participating in international tournaments and receiving a commendation from the British council”
“I have been a member of the Scouts organisation for 5 years and during that time have been awarded for various accolades. More recently I participated in, and completed my DoF Bronze award in which I…”


Post-16 Funding
16-19 bursary fund
You may be eligible for the 16-19 bursary fund, this is to assist you with financial pressures associated with in education. There are eligibility criteria that must be met in order to apply for this funding and it is to be used to for things like transport, school equipment. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund


Discretionary Bursary
You may also be eligible for a discretionary bursary from your educational provider, each college or sixth form different eligibility criteria and can often be found through their websites.

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